Adventure into Wonderland This Weekend With Lancer Productions!

Lewis Carrol’s beloved classic Alice in Wonderland has been adapted time and time again; now, it’s Lancer Productions' turn to give the beloved story a try as they set out to perform the musical Alice in Wonderland Jr. this January.

Sophomore Addyson Yanke stars as Alice in this eccentric musical—her first leading role in High School. “It’s been really fun and really exciting to get to know everyone and get to know them. It’s also been helpful to expand my acting skills because there’s so many different emotions that Alice goes through during the show,” said Addyson. 

It motivates me to put on a good show knowing that the kids are watching it. -- Addyson Yanke

Addyson herself was first inspired to join theatre when she saw a NSHSLP production as a kid. “I wanted to start doing theatre when I watched The Little Mermaid in elementary school, and I got really excited and thought it’d be fun.”

She splits the role of Alice with Bella Suarez (Little Alice) and Marlayna Cockshoot (Big Alice). The actresses of different heights help portray the sequences of Alice becoming big and small—just like in the movie. 

The musical comes alive with a diverse cast of magical beings in wonderland. Beloved characters like the Madhatter (Brayden Serrano) and the March Hare (Emma Zrostlik) wish Alice a "Very Merry Unbirthday" at their chaotic tea party, the Queen of Hearts (Addalie Reese) gives Alice a fright when she bests the queen in "Simon Says", she gets taken on an adventure by the Caterpillar (Grady Kirst), and she meets plenty of other characters along the way. 

The show couldn’t be done without the help of the techies. Pacey Kane, the props master, has spent his winter watching the show and scouring through the props room finding the perfect props for the show. Renae Mohr and her costume crew has set to work costuming the show alongside Emma Reif’s makeup designs. The lighting crew, sound crew, and tech director Josh Tipsworth have also worked tirelessly to put the show together. 

It’s More Than Just A Show 

Seniors Haidyn Koberg and Kaitlyn Knepper have dedicated their winter to preparing the Bookfest that goes alongside the winter show. During the performance weekend, the hallways of North Scott transform into a literary carnival with thematic decorations and mini games. The auditorium lobby has a book fest where North Scott kids have access to both high and low level reading material. 

“Bookfest for me is one of my favorite things we do here at LP. Mostly because I love getting to be around kids, and it’s just such a magical experience getting to see kids playing different games and winning all sorts of prizes. Also getting to see them show off all their crafts and face paint truly warms my heart. It makes it even more special for me knowing that we are doing something for our community and we are able to put this event on to expand theatre education for youths,” said Haidyn Koberg. “We get the added bonus of promoting children’s literacy to the community, giving families and children access to all sorts of books.” 

On Thursday morning, fourth graders from North Scott elementary schools came in to enjoy a free performance of the show. At the end of the performance, the actors came out to the lip of the stage to answer questions and talk with the kids. At the end of it all, the actors passed out free books for the students to take home and enjoy. 

Before you see the show, you should stop at Sips to try one of the Alice in Wonderland inspired drinks! You can choose from the:

• White Rabbit Energy Drink (pineapple cupcake, vanilla, and white chocolate swirled together with a splash of cream)

• Alice Energy Drink (blue raspberry, cupcake, white chocolate, and vanilla cold foam)

• Royal Hearts (strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry, and white chocolate with edible glitter)

• Mad Hatter (green apple. pineapple, and white chocolate with Pop Rocks)